Dance that doesn’t cost the Earth

A 53% reduction in energy use and other exciting steps we’ve made at The Dance Space.

The Dance Space. Photo Summer Dean

This World Environment Day, we want to share some of the actions we’ve taken recently to help us reduce our carbon footprint.

“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far” 

Rachel Gibson, Executive Director, said: 

"We're committed to doing all we can to play our part in tackling the global climate emergency.  I'm proud of what we've achieved so far, but there’s always more to do, which is why sustainability will remain at the top of our agenda in terms of the way we run The Dance Space."

We operate The Dance Space with sustainability in mind, from the solar panels on the roof to our reusable cups, to finding ways to reduce our energy use. Here are a few of the ways we’ve reduced our impact on the environment this year: 

A 53% reduction in energy use

Our previous Building & Sustainability Manager, Emily Watson (they/them), said: 

"One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is the comprehensive energy audits I’ve conducted for The Dance Space, including staying at The Dance Space overnight to analyse what improvements could be made. By making changes like upgrading installation, we made a 53% reduction in energy use in a single year!"

Thanks to funding from Backstage Trust, we are upgrading our stage lights to energy-efficient models, and Emily also found ways to reduce the amount of lighting in areas of the building. 

The Dance Space Reception featuring brochure racks, a reception desk with a receptionist working at it, houseplants, a sofa and a sign hung from the ceiling which says 'Every Body Welcome'
Photo by Danny Fitzpatrick

Reducing our waste

In 2024, we teamed up with Compost Club. Now, our plastic-free tea bags are whisked away with our food waste to create living compost. 

We’ve also upgraded our complimentary sanitary products with sustainability in mind. We now offer plastic-free, toxin-free, organic cotton pads and tampons, provided by Dame B-Corp, in the toilets around our building. 

Our Board of Trustees

Vicky Sword-Daniels is one of our Trustees. Vicky holds a Doctorate in Urban Sustainability and works at Julie’s Bicycle, a non-profit organisation mobilising the arts & cultural sector to take action on the climate and ecological crisis. With Vicky’s help we’re always looking for new ways to improve our sustainable practices. Vicky said: 

"South East Dance is making excellent progress, and taking good steps forward with a strong commitment to environmental responsibility."

Looking ahead 

Now South East Dance team members have taken Carbon Literacy Training, we’re more aware of the ways we can further improve our sustainability at The Dance Space. We’ve created The Green Team, made up of staff who keep up to date with new guidelines and innovations and find ways to implement them in the building and in the work we do. 

Emily said: 

"The field of energy management and sustainability is constantly evolving, and new technologies and strategies are emerging all the time. Energy management never stops—our spaces, schedules, and needs are always changing." 

How you can help 

  • Walk, cycle, or use public transport when visiting The Dance Space. Let us know how you got here by filling out the travel survey on the iPad at the Welcome Desk.
  • Unsure which bin to use? Ask our team to help us keep waste to a minimum.
  • If you're attending an event, bring a reusable cup to reduce waste.
  • Switch off lights in studios and meeting rooms when they’re not in use.

You can find out more about our sustainable actions on our sustainability page. 

Anya Loudon

find out more about our sustainable actions

Image: Danny Fitzpatrick

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